Shloka 2.106.19

भरतवाक्यं—रामस्य पुनरायोध्यागमननिषेधः (Bharata’s Plea and Rama’s Refusal to Return)

Devanagari script

एष हि प्रथमो धर्मः क्षत्रियस्याभिषेचनम्।येन शक्यं महाप्राज्ञ प्रजानां परिपालनम्।।।।

Transliteration

ko hi syād īdṛśo loke yādṛśas tvam arindamaḥ |

na tvāṁ pravyathayed duḥkhaṁ prītir vā na praharṣayet |

sammataś cāsi vṛddhānāṁ tāṁś ca pṛcchasi saṁśayān ||

Translation

O subduer of enemies, who in this world is like you? Neither sorrow unsettles you nor joy intoxicates you. The elders esteem you, and when doubts arise, you ask them for counsel.

Context

O sagacious one, the primary duty of a kshatriya is to be crowned. This enables him to rule his subjects.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rama

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma here is emotional steadiness and humility: a leader should not be shaken by grief or inflated by pleasure, and should seek guidance from elders when uncertain.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata is addressing Rama, praising his steadiness and reverence for elders as part of urging him to accept rightful kingship and the responsibilities of rule.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s equanimity (samatva) and teachability—he remains balanced in joy and sorrow and consults elders in moments of doubt.